Day 1
Catania
Welcome to Sicily. On arrival to Catania airport and after clearing customs you are met at the airport and a private group transfer service to the group hotel is provided. In the early evening meet your tour director and group for a welcome drink and tour briefing, then join together for a welcome dinner at the hotel or local restaurant.
Meals: Welcome drink & dinner
Special Notes
Arrival ‘meet and greet’ is at Catania-Vincenzo Bellini Airport.
Day 2
Catania - Etna – Taormina - Catania
After breakfast at our hotel we make a short visit of the famous “pescheria” (the ancient fish market) in Catania. We then continue with an excursion to Mount Etna, the highest (c. 3350m) volcano in Europe and one of the largest and most active in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in the views of stunning landscapes as you head to Rifugio Sapienza (Etna South) the location of the visitor’s centre for Mount Etna.
Arrive at the “Crateri Silvestri,” small, dormant volcanic cones surrounded by ancient lava flows. The panoramic view from here stretches across Sicily, the Aeolian Islands, and Calabria, offering a truly unique spectacle. You'll also have the opportunity to sample local homemade honey and other regional specialties.
The tour continues towards Taormina, and we take lunch in a lovely restaurant; then visit this charming town renowned for its magnificent position above the sea commanding a celebrated view of Etna. A visit of Taormina’s fascinating Greek theatre will leave you breathless for its commanding view on Giardini Naxos Bay and the Etna mountain.
There’s some free time for a walk among the picturesque medieval narrow streets, and for a spot of shopping; looking around the local handicrafts (coral jewels, precious laces, ceramics, pastries and much more).
After a day of exploring we return to Catania and the evening is at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Lunch
Special Notes
The visit to Mt Etna does not include a summit tour which is a day’s hike. The visit today reaches 2000 metres above sea level at Crateri Silvestri. Symptoms of altitude sickness such as a headache, at this height are unlikely.
Day 3
Catania - Syracuse – Noto - Ragusa
Today, after breakfast, we set off for Syracuse, renowned as the most magnificent and significant Greek colony in Sicily and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our journey begins at the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, where you will explore the majestic Greek Theatre, the impressive Roman Amphitheatre, the enchanting Latomie of Paradise, and the Ear of Dionysius.
Next, continue to the charming island of Ortigia, the historical heart of Syracuse. Here, you will be captivated by the stunning cathedral that commands the square with its majestic presence. Though its façade showcases a robust Sicilian-Baroque design, it cleverly conceals its origins as a Doric temple. From Piazza Duomo, stroll to the expansive terrace overlooking the waterfront, where you'll encounter the celebrated Arethusa’s Fountain, a fresh-water source from the ancient Greek era. After, there’s some free time to enjoy lunch and explore Ortigia, before we head to Noto.
Noto, known as the capital of Sicilian Baroque, is celebrated for its exquisite early 18th-century architecture and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Noto's Baroque architecture features graceful curves, intricate floral designs, palatial buildings, gardens, and ornate facades of churches and monasteries. We visit the elegant Palazzo Nicolaci Villadorata, a splendid noble residence in Baroque style, and you'll have some free time to leisurely explore Noto.
After a wonderful day exploring around Syracuse we make our way to Ragusa. We check in for our next two nights of stay and meet up for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4
Ragusa – Modica – Scicli - Ragusa
Today, we explore Ragusa Ibla, renowned for its Sicilian Baroque architecture and recognised as one of Italy’s 44 World Heritage Sites. This charming town boasts over 50 churches and numerous baroque treasures. You’ll be captivated by its cathedral in the picturesque Dome Square and the “Giardino Ibleo,” the oldest of Ragusa's four main gardens. From this garden at 383 metres above sea level, enjoy a stunning panorama.
Next, we head to Modica, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with Baroque architectural gems. Stroll through its narrow streets and visit Sabadì, a famous chocolate manufacturer, where you'll savour award-winning Modica chocolate. Experience a multisensory tasting with flavours like wild mint, orange blossom honey, and Sicilian lemon and red orange.
For lunch today enjoy local delicacies under the shade of the beautiful Orti di San Giorgio gardens.
We then proceed to Scicli, an opulent town in Val di Noto, known for its Baroque splendour. Nestled at the junction of three valleys near the sea, Scicli’s medieval neighbourhoods feature sun-kissed pink houses. After our visit, return to the hotel and enjoy some free time.
Meals: Breakfast, Highlight Lunch
Day 5
Ragusa - Piazza Armerina - Agrigento
After breakfast, depart for the charming Piazza Armerina to visit the renowned Villa Romana del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at its magnificent polychrome mosaics depicting mythological and historical scenes, hunting, and entertainment, belonging to a Roman Senatorial aristocrat. Next, travel to Agrigento to explore the famous Valley of the Temples, also a World Heritage site boasting a stunning array of 5th-century Doric temples. Amid almond trees, discover the ruins of ancient Akragas, including the Temples of Hera, Concordia, and Heracles.
We join together in the evening for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6
Agrigento – Marsala – Salt Road
Today, explore the delightful and renowned town of Marsala, famously where Garibaldi landed in May 1860. This Mediterranean city, a blend of sea and land, is known for its unforgettable palette: vivid yellow, deep blue, vibrant red, brilliant white, and natural green.
After a walk around the city centre, there’s a guided tour of the Florio Cellars built at the end of the 19th century and still used for the refinement of Marsala wine. Following a walk through these historic barrel vaults, you arrive at the modern tasting rooms, Donna Franca and Duca Enrico, for an unforgettable wine tasting experience.
The tour proceeds to the famous Salt Road, where ancient salt marshes have established one of the oldest salt-extraction industries in the world. Between Trapani and Marsala, the Salt Road is now a protected area, significant for its unique birdlife and as a key site of industrial archaeology.
The evening is free for dinner. Take the opportunity to stroll along Via Garibaldi, it is lined by 18th century churches, palaces and beautiful homes and it’s where the local restaurants line the street for evening dining.
Meals: Breakfast, Wine Tasting
Day 7
Trapani - Erice – Segesta – Palermo
This morning we visit the medieval village of Erice by cable car for stunning views across Trapani's port. The visit includes a stop at the shop of perhaps the most famous baker of Sicily, Maria Grammatico. We return Trapani with time for a local lunch. Why not find a trattoria for a local lunch and seek out the local dish of Pesto all Trapanese. A stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele is one of your options to find a spot for lunch.
After lunch, we depart Trapani for Palermo. Along the way we stop at the Temple ruins at Segesta. Later today we check into our hotel in Palermo for our next three nights of stay and the evening is at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8
Palermo
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on a journey to discover the stunning city of Palermo, renowned for its rich history and artistic heritage. Nestled on a bay with views of Mount Pellegrino, Palermo boasts a diverse array of architectural styles. From Baroque masterpieces to Punic walls, Art Nouveau villas, noble residences, and 17th-century squares, the city's multicultural past is vividly reflected.
Begin your exploration with a visit to the magnificent Cathedral, the remarkable Martorana Church, and the awe-inspiring Cappella Palatina. These sites exemplify how different cultures, religions, and philosophies—Byzantine, Muslim, and Latin—coexisted. During the day, enjoy a break for a typical Sicilian lunch. As you continue, admire the iconic Teatro Massimo and the controversial Fountain of Pretoria in the historic Kalsa district, adorned with 16th-century sculptures.
The evening is free for dinner at your leisure, followed by an overnight stay at your hotel in Palermo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9
Monreale – Cefalù
Spend the morning exploring Monreale, home to the magnificent Norman Cathedral, often hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Admire its breathtaking Arab-Norman cloister, a masterpiece of art, sculpture, and intricate semi-precious stone inlay. Next, transfer to the enchanting medieval town of Cefalù, located on Sicily's northern coast. Visit its impressive Norman Cathedral, then enjoy free time to wander the picturesque streets or visit the renowned Mandralisca Museum. Conclude the day with dinner at a celebrated restaurant in Palermo, followed by an overnight stay at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10
Palermo
Palermo marks the finale of your wonderful Sicilian discovery.
Meals: Breakfast
